Chicago Public Library Collection

Collection Identifier: C.2004-01

Repository CFA

Extent of collection Approximately 5,000 reels of mostly 16mm films.

Abstract The Chicago Public Library film collection is Chicago Film Archives' (CFA) founding collection. CFA formed in order to care for this collection of about 5,000 16mm films that the library no longer could keep. The collection contains a broad sweep of genres. A large number of films are educational and travel films, but there are also silent films, foreign and American-made theatrical films, documentaries, industrials, newsreels, sports events and children's films. Together these films comprise a rich snapshot of an educational and cultural pathway the City of Chicago built for its citizens during the mid twentieth century.

Description

Chicago Film Archives incorporated on December 13, 2003 in order to house and care for its founding acquisition of 16mm films from the Chicago Public Library. This collection contains a broad sweep of genres. A large number of films are educational and travel films, but also there are silent films, foreign and American-made theatrical films, documentaries, industrials, newsreels, sports events and children's films. Included in this collection are 16mm prints from the Tyler, Texas Black Film Collection, such as Oscar Micheaux's Murder in Harlem and Spencer Williams' Juke Joint. Also, within this collection are rare and possibly one-of-a-kind 16mm film prints. Some of these are: Paracelsus by GW Pabst, American Shoeshine by Sparky Greene, The New World of Stainless Steel by Republic Steel and Wilding Studios, Siege by Julian Bryan, and The Santa Claus Suit by Martin Stevens. Because this collection was created over four decades in order to educate Chicago communities, it reflects Chicago's public sensibilities from the 1950s to 1990 and is an important part of our regional film archive.

Custodial HistoryThis collection of approximately 5000 film prints is Chicago Film Archive's founding collection. Chicago Film Archives (CFA) was founded in order to care for the Chicago Public Library film collection that the library no longer could keep. An agreement between Watrous, the Chicago Public Library and the Dept. of Cultural Affairs (DOCA) stipulated that Watrous would form a non-profit org and the DOCA would take responsibility for the collection while CFA got established. The DOCA turned over the collection to CFA in December of 2004.

Language of MaterialsEnglish

Access Restrictions This collection is open to on-site access. Appointments must be made with Chicago Film Archives. Due to the fragile nature of the films, only video copies will be provided for on-site viewing.

Use Restrictions The CPL turned over same rights they received from the original owners of the prints within the collection to CFA. Films be exhibited to the public for no cost.